1. Myra Levine and the Conservation Model
Melissa Parker
James Madison University

2. History Born in Chicago 1920 Diploma in Nursing 1944
BSN University of Chicago 1949
MSN Wayne State University 1962
Honorary doctorate Loyola University 1992
Worked as an oncology nurse and instructor
Introduction to Clinical Nursing published 1969
(Petiprin, 2016)

3. Conservation Model
States the goal of nursing as the conservation of a patient’s energy to allow for healing and promotion of wholeness
A disruption to either internal or external environment is a threat to patient health
Disruption requires nursing interventions related to conservation principles to restore wholeness
(Mefford, 2004)

4. Adaptation Unique and individual response to illness based upon:
Heredity
Age
Gender
Illness progression
“Adaptation is an on-going process of change in which the patient is able to maintain his or her integrity while staying within the realities of the environment.”
(Petiprin, 2016)

5. Conservation Principles
Conservation of energy
Conservation of structural integrity
Conservation of personal integrity
Conservation of social integrity
(Texas Woman's University, 2017)

6. (Mefford, 2004)

7. Conservation of Energy
Involves optimizing balance of energy intake and usage
Rest
Nutrition
Exercise
(Petiprin, 2016)

8. Conservation of Structural Integrity
Preserve and heal physical body
Maintenance of mucous membrane and skin
Prevents pathogens from entering body
(Texas Woman's University, 2017)

9. Conservation of Personal Integrity
Provide support for individual personality
Respect sense of self and self-esteem
Respect need for personal space
(Texas Woman's University, 2017)

10. Conservation of Social Integrity
Preservation of patient’s family and community function
Interaction with family and friends
Religious support
Illness separates patients from society
(Texas Woman's University, 2017)

11. 9 Models of Guided Assessment
Vital signs
Body movement and positioning
Meeting personal hygiene needs
Pressure gradient system in nursing interventions
Nursing determination in provision of nutritional needs
Pressure gradient system in nursing
Local application of hot and cold
Administration of medicine
Establishing an aseptic environment
(Petiprin, 2016)

12. Nursing Process Assessment Trophicognosis (Judgment) Hypothesis
Interventions
Evaluation
(Petiprin, 2016)

13. Levine’s Assumptions
The nurse creates an environment in which healing can occur.
A human being is more than the sum of his or her parts.
Human beings respond in a predictable way.
Human beings are unique in their responses.
Human beings know and appraise objects, conditions, and situations.
Human beings sense, reflect, reason, and understand.
Human beings actions are self-determined, even when emotional.
Human beings are capable of prolonging reflection through strategies such as asking questions
(Petiprin, 2016)

14. Relevance to my Practice
Long-term Acute Care Patients
Extended hospital stay
Poor nutrition
Lack of exercise
Separation from family and friends
Dependence upon others to fulfill needs

15. Relevance to my Practice
Wound care
Importance of nutrition
Exercise and repositioning to provide pressure-relief
Preservation of skin barrier

16. Conclusion Multiple facets to each patient
Internal and external factors
Important to meet their personal needs to ensure wholeness of self

17. References
Mefford, L. C. (2004). A theory of health promotion for preterm infants based on Levine’s Conservation Model of nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(3)
Petiprin, A. (2016). Myra Estrin Levine – Nursing Theorist. Retrieved from theory.org/nursing-theorists/Myra-Estrine- Levine.php
Texas Woman’s University. (2017). Nursing Theorist: Levine. Retrieved from c.php?g=270174&p=